Hydraulic fastening of components

ABSTRACT

A hydraulic fastening device for securement of two components, each component having an orifice at least partly therethrough adapted to be coaxially aligned, the fastening device including a body member adapted to be inserted within the orifice of each component when coaxially aligned. The body member includes a main body section and a hydraulic manifold section with a fluid conduit within at least the manifold section and containing a fluid therein. The device further includes at least one moveable protrusion in fluid contact with the fluid, adapted to protrude from the manifold section; and control means to control the movement of each protrusion means. The arrangement is such that, upon operation of the control means, each protrusion is moved between a protruding position and a retracted position and when in the protruding position, the two components are adapted to be fastened together.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to hydraulic fastening systems, device andmethod, and in particular to such which are useful, for example, in themining or earthmoving industry for attaching teeth or wear plates tobucket drag lines of such implements and the like.

The present invention is however useful for attaching any two componentstogether which might normally be joined by some form of mechanicaljoining mechanism, such as bolts, screws, or welds.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

In applicant's Australian Patent Specification No. 673946 there isdisclosed a hydraulic fastening device for securement of two componentstogether. Each component has an orifice or cavity at least partlytherethrough which are adapted to be substantially coaxially aligned.The device includes an elongate body member adapted to be insertedwithin the orifice or cavity of each component when coaxially aligned. Afluid conduit is disposed within the body member and contains a fluidtherein. There is further provided at least one movable protrusion meanswhich may, for example, be in the form of a piston adapted to move in atransverse direction relative to the elongate body member. Control meanshydraulically controls the movement of the or each protrusion. Thearrangement is such that, upon operation of the control means acompressive force is applied to the fluid to cause the or eachprotrusion to protrude from the body member to fasten the two componentstogether. Withdrawal of the force may cause retraction of the or eachprotrusion into the body member. Preferably, the control means comprisesa valve mechanism to permit the ingress/egress of fluid to/from thefluid conduit, the arrangement being such that, upon the ingress offluid, the protrusion protrudes from the body member, and, upon egressof fluid, said protrusion retracts within the body member.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide a unique hydraulic fasteningsystem.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided ahydraulic fastening device for securement of two components togethereach component having an orifice or cavity at least partly therethroughadapted to be substantially coaxially aligned, the fastening deviceincluding a body member adapted to be inserted substantially within theorifice or cavity of each component when substantially coaxiallyaligned. The body member includes a main body section and a hydraulicmanifold section with a fluid conduit within at least the manifoldsection and containing a fluid therein. The device further includes atleast one moveable protrusion means in fluid contact with the fluid,adapted to protrude from the manifold section; and, control means tocontrol the movement of the or each protrusion means. The arrangement issuch that, upon operation of the control means, the or each protrusionmeans is moved between a protruding position and a retracted positionand when in the protruding position the two components are adapted to befastened or locked together.

Preferably, the control means is in the form of a valve mechanism topermit the ingress/egress of fluid to/from the fluid conduit, thearrangement being such that, upon the ingress of fluid, the or eachprotrusion means protrudes from the manifold section of the body member,and, when the or each protrusion retract within the manifold sectionegress of the fluid can occur.

In one preferred form the control means include a piston device which isarranged such that, when the piston device is actuated, a compressiveforce is applied to the fluid to cause the or each protrusion toprotrude from manifold. The or each protrusion can withdraw into themanifold upon withdrawal of the compression force.

In one preferred application, one of the components is a bucket or otherimplement of an earthmoving or mining equipment, or the like, and, theother of the components is one or more teeth, adaptors or the like, tobe attached to the earthmoving or mining equipment, or the like.

Preferably, first component includes an outwardly projecting member andis provided with a transverse orifice therethrough; and, the secondcomponent is of generally complementary shape with a hollow centreportion, adapted to substantially surround the projecting member suchthat orifice(s)/cutout(s) provided on either side thereof are adapted tobe substantially axially aligned with the orifice of said firstcomponent; such that, when said orifice(s)/cutout(s) of the componentsare substantially aligned, the body member may be inserted and fastenedtherein.

In one form of the invention the main body section and manifold sectionof the body member are disposed in fixed relation to one another whenthe device is in the operative position, the or each protrusion beingmovable between the protruding and retracted positions to cause thelocking or fastening and release of the two components. There mayfurther be provided a spacer element or cover which abuts against oroverlies the or each protrusion and is adapted to move therewith.

In another form of the invention the main body section and manifoldsection are operatively mounted for movement relative to one another inresponse to protrusion or retraction of the or each protrusion. In thisembodiment the or each protrusion may be adapted to act on the main bodysection when moved into the protruding position to cause the main bodysection and the manifold section to move relative to one another tocause fastening or locking of the two components together.

Preferably, the manifold section is releasably mountable within a recesswithin the main body section. Preferably, the or each protrusionincludes a piston disposed within a cylinder which is in fluidcommunication with the fluid conduit.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided ahydraulic fastening system, for securement of two components together, afluid conduit within at least one of the components containing a fluidtherein; at least one moveable protrusion means disposed in one of thecomponents in fluid contact with the fluid, and adapted to protrudetherefrom, and, control means to control the movement of the or eachprotrusion; the arrangement being such that, upon operation of thecontrol means, the or each protrusion is moved to a protruded positionto fasten the two components together.

As described earlier the control means may comprise a valve mechanism topermit the ingress/egress of fluid to/from the fluid conduit, such that,upon the ingress of fluid, said protrusion(s) protrude(s) from thecomponent. Egress of fluid may be caused by the protrusion(s) retractingwithin the component. The control means may include a piston devicearranged such that, when the piston device is actuated, a compressiveforce is applied to the fluid to cause said protrusion(s) to protrudefrom the component. The withdrawal of the protrusion(s) into thecomponent can occur by removal of the force.

As described earlier one of components is a bucket or other component ofan earthmoving or mining equipment, or the like, and, the othercomponent is one or more teeth, adaptors or the like, to be attached tothe earthmoving or mining equipment, or the like.

Preferably, there is further provide a locating recess associated withthe or each protrusion means, the or each locating recess being in theother of the components and adapted to receive the protrusion meansassociated therewith when in the protruding position.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a hydraulic fastening device, for securement of two components,together each component having an orifice or cavity at least partlytherethrough adapted to be substantially coaxially aligned, thefastening device including a body member adapted to be insertedsubstantially within the orifice or cavity of each component whensubstantially coaxially aligned; a fluid conduit within at least themanifold section and containing a fluid therein; at least one moveableprotrusion means in fluid contact with the fluid, adapted to protrudefrom the body member or protrusion including a protruding elementadapted to move along an inclined surface between retracted andprotruded positions, and, control means to control the movement of theor each protruding element; the arrangement being such that, uponoperation of the control means, the or each protruding element is movedto the protruded position to fasten the two components together.

Preferably, the protruding element is generally wedge-shaped and bearsagainst and is movable along the inclined surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to enable a clearer understanding of the invention drawingsillustrating example embodiments are attached, and in those drawings:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a known fastening device of the typedescribed in Australian Patent No. 673946;

FIG. 2 is a schematic side elevation of a device according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a device according to another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional side elevation of another deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the main body section of the device shown inFIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an end view of the device shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional side elevation of another deviceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the device shown in FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view of a hydraulic fastening systemaccording to another embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring to FIG. 1. there is shown a cross sectional view of a knownfastening assembly 25 as disclosed in Australian Patent No. 673946.

Assembly 25 generally comprises a substantially elongate body member 26adapted to be inserted substantially within orifices or cavities of thepair of components. As shown a first of the components is an outwardlyprojecting member 29 provided on a bucket or other component of anearthmoving or mining equipment. Component 29 is provided with anorifice 50 transversely therethrough. The second component is acomplementary shaped component 51 which is adapted to be secured to thefirst component 29. The second component 51 is adapted to substantiallysurround the projecting member 29, and is also provided with an orifice52 therethrough. The orifice 52 is adapted to substantially coaxiallyalign with the orifice 50 such that the fastening device may be insertedtherein. As will be seen, when the first component 29 is substantiallyaligned with the second component 51, the body member 26 may be insertedtherein, as shown in FIG. 1.

The body member 26 is provided with a fluid conduit 32 therein, formedby a central cavity or channel 33, a pair of channels 38 and 39 leadingto chambers 36 and 37, respectively. The fluid conduit and the chambersare adapted to receive grease or other fluid substance therein. In thecase of grease, a grease nipple 34 is provided to permit the ingress oregress of grease to and from the conduit 32. A pair of pistons orprotrusions members, shown by reference numerals 30 and 31, are adaptedto be provided within the chambers 36 and 37 and be movably displaced ina direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the body member26. The piston or protrusion members 30 and 31 are provided withsuitable O-ring type seals or the like to ensure that good movement ofthe pistons 30 and 31 is enabled without the loss of fluid from withinthe fluid conduit.

When an element such as a tooth or adaptor is to be fitted to an earthmoving bucket, the main body member 26 is provided to within the recessor orifice formed between the two components 29 and 51. Once the mainbody member 26 is in position, a grease gun is attached to the nipple34, and grease is supplied to within the fluid conduit 32, such thatpistons 30 and 31 which fit snugly within the cavities 36 and 37 areurged beyond the periphery of the body member 26. Depending upon howmuch grease is supplied to within the fluid: conduit 32, the pistons 30and 31 may be advanced to a ftirther or lesser distance. By way ofexample, the pressure required to advance the piston the small distancerequired to effect wedging of the fastening device between the twocomponents in accordance with the preferred arrangement of the presentinvention, may typically be within the range of 7,500 psi to 15,000 psi.The distance of travel of the pistons to effect wedging would betypically of the order of 10-12 mm, but could be between 5 and 50 mm.Obviously, the pressure and distance travelled will vary depending uponthe particular application of the invention.

When the assembly 25 is to be released, for example, when the implementattached to the bucket is to be removed for replacement, the greasenipple may be rotated such that the pressure within the fluid conduit isreduced enabling the pistons 30 and 31 to be retracted to within thecavities 36 and 37. Thereafter, the body member 26 is able to bereleased from the cavities or orifices.

Referring to FIG. 2 where like parts having been indicated by likereference numerals to those of FIG. 1 there is shown an assembly 25which comprises a body member 26 which includes a main body section 61and a manifold section 62. The manifold section 62 is receivable withina recess 64 in the main body section 61.

The manifold section 62 has a fluid conduit 32 therein which is in fluidcommunication with chambers 37 each chamber having a piston 30 movablymounted therein. The pistons 30 are movable between retracted positionsin which they set within the chambers 37 and protruded positions inwhich they at least partially protrude from the manifold section 62 ofthe body member 26.

The pistons move in response to fluid within the conduit 32, the flow offluid being controlled by valve members 68. Fluid is delivered anddischarged from the conduit 32 via ports 69 in the main body section 61.Port 69 locks member in position when the valve and plug are in place.Operation of the assembly is substantially the same as that of theassembly shown in FIG. 1.

There is further provided a cover or spacer element 70 which overliesthe manifold section 62 and is acted upon by the pistons 30. The coveror spacer element 70 includes a guide tongue 71 which is receivablewithin a guide slot 65 within the main body section 61 to correctlylocate the parts together. In another arrangement the tongue may be inthe form of a hook.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an assembly similar to thatshown in FIG. 2 and like parts have been identified with like referencenumerals.

FIGS. 4 to 6 show another form of assembly according to the invention.The assembly 25 is similar to that of FIG. 2 and like numerals have beenused to identify like parts. This embodiment differs from that shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 in that the main body section 61 and manifold section 62of the body member are mounted for movement relative to one another inresponse to movement of the pistons 30 between retracted and protrudingpositions. The pistons 30 are adapted to act on the main body section 61causing separation of the main body section 61 and manifold section 62thereby causing fastening or locking of the two components together.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show yet another embodiment of the present invention. Theassembly in this case includes a main body section 61 and manifoldsection 62 having a fluid conduit 32 and chamber 37 therein. Theprotrusion means in this particular embodiment comprises a wedge shapedelement 75 which is adapted to slide along ramped surface 77 in responseto fluid pressure within the conduit 32 and chamber 37 causing theelement 75 to moves laterally outwardly from the main body section 61.The wedge shaped element may include pistons therein to push it againstthe main body.

FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view of a hydraulic fastening systemaccording to another aspect of the invention. Referring to the drawingthere is shown two components 100 and 101 which are to be releasablyfastened together. Component 100 has a fluid conduit 105 therein whichcomprises passages 106 and 107 and chambers 108 and 109. Each chamberhas a piston 111 (only one is shown) mounted therein. Fluid is deliveredto and discharged from the conduit 105 via valve assembly 113.

Component 100 is adapted to be received within a recessed section 102 ofcomponent 101. The component 101 includes locating recesses 117 eachbeing adapted to receive a respective one of the pistons 111. An inletport 118 provides access to the valve assembly 113.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless thecontext requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as“comprises” or comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion ofa stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not theexclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Finally, it is to be understood that the inventive concept in any of itsaspects can be incorporated in many different constructions so that thegenerality of the preceding description is not to be superseded by theparticularity of the attached drawings. Various alterations,modifications and/or additions may be incorporated into the variousconstructions and arrangements of parts without departing from thespirit or ambit of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hydraulic fastening device, for securement oftwo components together, each component having an orifice or cavity atleast partly therethrough adapted to be substantially aligned, thefastening device including a body member adapted to be insertedsubstantially within the orifice or cavity of each component whensubstantially aligned, said body member including a main body sectionand a hydraulic manifold section with a fluid conduit within at leastthe manifold section and containing a fluid therein, said device furtherincluding at least one moveable protrusion means in fluid contact withthe fluid, adapted to protrude from the manifold section, and controlmeans to control the movement of the or each protrusion means such that,upon operation of the control means, the or each protrusion means ismoved between a protruding position and a retracted position, the mainbody section and manifold section being operatively mounted for movementrelative to one another in response to protrusion or retraction of theor each protrusion means, the or each protrusions means being adapted toact on the main body section when moved into the protruding position tocause the main body section and the manifold section to move relative toone another to cause fastening or locking of the two componentstogether.
 2. A hydraulic fastening device as claim in claim 1, whereinthe manifold section is releasably mountable within a recess within themain body section.
 3. A hydraulic fastening device, for securement oftwo components together, each component having an orifice or cavity atleast partly therethrough adapted to be substantially coaxially aligned,the fastening device including a body member adapted to be insertedsubstantially within the orifice or cavity of each component whensubstantially coaxially aligned, said body member including a main bodysection and a hydraulic manifold section with a fluid conduit within atleast the manifold section and containing a fluid therein, said devicefurther including at least one movable protrusion in fluid contact withthe fluid, adapted to protrude from the manifold section, and controlmeans to control the movement of the at least one movable protrusion,the body member further including a protruding element which isgenerally wedge-shaped and bears against and is movable along aninclined surface of said main body section between retracted andprotruded positions, the arrangement being such that, upon operation ofthe control means, the or each protruding element is moved to theprotruded position to fasten the two components together.